Cargo restraint attachment assembly

ABSTRACT

An improved cargo restraint attachment assembly for use with a platform trailer includes a body having an interior side and an exterior side opposite thereto. A first section is adjacent to the interior side and configured to attach the body to a loading deck of the platform trailer so that the body extends outwardly from and along at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the loading deck. A second section is configured to selectively secure the cargo restraint device at a desired position with respect to the longitudinal edge. The assembly may secure at least one cargo restraint device at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane to minimize bending moment on the cargo restraint device from force applied thereto by engagement with a load on a loading deck of the platform trailer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cargo restraint attachment assemblyfor use with a platform trailer.

A platform or flatbed trailer typically includes a flat loading deckwithout permanent sides or roof and a trailer chassis having a loadcarrying main frame. Various means are known for restraining cargo on aplatform trailer, for example including straps, chains or cablesemploying load binders or winches. A winch, for example, may be attachedin a stationary position so that its strap may extend around the siderail over the cargo to attach to the opposite side rail or to a notch,ring or other attachment device thereabout.

Additionally, some platform trailer configurations include a trackmechanically attached at the underside of the trailer to cross membersextending laterally below the loading deck. The track is configured toslidably receive winches to be positioned at desired locations along thetrack with respect to the loading deck. Such construction permits theselective positioning of winches in response to the needs of individualcargo loads.

Because winch tracks are typically attached on the underside of aplatform trailer, the winches secured thereto extend below and down fromthe loading deck. To avoid interference with the trailer wheels, winchtracks typically extend along only a portion of either platform trailerside. Winches near the wheels are installed in fixed non-interferingpositions. Alternatively, "low-profile" winches may be used in tracksabove the wheels to avoid such interference. Such winches are, however,typically incapable of storing the winch strap because of their size andconfiguration.

As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, a loadedstrap extending from the winch and around the side rail creates abending moment on a winch secured in a winch track. The winch tracksmust be constructed to adequately support and secure the winches whensuch bending moment is applied as a result of cargo loading.

Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that a need exists for a cargorestraint attachment assembly that permits the selective positioning ofcargo restraint devices at any desired position relative to alongitudinal edge of a platform trailer and for a construction thatreduces bending moment on a cargo restraint attachment assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention recognizes and addresses various of the foregoingdisadvantages, and others of prior art construction and methods.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved cargo restraint attachment assembly for use with a platformtrailer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedtrailer side rail.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cargorestraint attachment assembly that minimizes weight added to the trailerand simplifies assembly.

Some of these objects are achieved by a cargo restraint attachmentassembly for use with a platform trailer having a loading deck. Theassembly comprises a track disposed outwardly from and along at least aportion of a longitudinal edge of the loading deck and configured toslidably receive at least one winch to selectively position the winchwith respect to the longitudinal edge. Such construction reducesinterference between a winch and the platform trailer wheels when thewinch is positioned thereabout. The winch is configured to secure cargoto a loading deck of the platform trailer.

In a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises a side rail assemblyattached to a longitudinal edge of the loading deck and extendinglaterally therefrom. In this embodiment, a body comprises a trussstructure having an interior side and an opposing exterior side. Theinterior side is adjacent to a section for attaching the body to theloading deck. The body also defines a winch track for slidably receivingwinches therein. The body, section, and winch track are preferably of aunitary extruded construction.

The winch track is disposed so that the winches extend below the planeof the loading deck. A rub rail extends generally parallel to theexterior side and is connected thereto by a plurality of stake pockets.Thus, in operation, the winch strap extends from the winch, around theside rail within the rub rail, and over the cargo on the loading deck toan attachment means on the opposite side of a loading deck.

When loaded, the winch strap exerts a force on the winch, creating abending moment. To reduce the bending moment, the winch track isdisposed at an angle below the horizontal plane and toward the platformtrailer chassis. Such arrangement permits a lighter winch trackconstruction than is generally available. It also decreases the verticalprofile of the winch assembly. This arrangement, and/or the positioningof the winches laterally beyond the loading deck edge, permit theinstallation of the winch track over platform trailer tires and tractortires. In addition, the unitary construction eliminates the need to boltor weld the winch track to the trailer chassis.

In another presently preferred embodiment, a cargo restraint attachmentassembly for use with a platform trailer is provided that includes abody configured to attach to the loading deck or chassis and to secureat least one cargo restraint device at an angle with respect to ahorizontal plane. This configuration minimizes bending moment on theassembly from force applied thereto by engagement with a load on aloading deck of the platform trailer.

In yet another presently preferred embodiment, a platform trailercomprises a load carrying main frame, a loading deck supported by themainframe, a plurality of wheels attached to the main frame to permittransport of the trailer and a cargo restraint attachment assembly. Thecargo restraint attachment assembly includes a body configured to beattached to the loading deck and defining a track disposed outwardlyfrom and along at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the loadingdeck. The track is configured to slidably receive at least one winch tobe selectively positioned with respect to the longitudinal edge, therebyreducing interference between the winch and the wheels when the cargorestraint device is positioned thereabout. The winch is configured tosecure cargo to the loading deck.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent invention may employ various cargo restraint devices. In fact,devices other than winches may be preferable in some applications. Itshould be understood that various equivalent embodiments of the presentinvention may be configured to employ such suitable restraint devicesand that all such embodiments are included within the scope and spiritof the present invention. Furthermore, the cargo restraint attachmentassembly of one presently preferred embodiment is constructed fromextruded aluminum alloy. It should be understood, however, that variousother suitable materials and construction methods could be utilized.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one embodiment of the inventionand, together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill, is set forth inthe specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a platform trailer constructed inaccordance of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a cargo restraint attachmentassembly constructed in accordance with the present invention having awinch device secured thereby;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a platform trailer as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the platform trailer as inFIG. 1; and

FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of a cargo restraint attachmentassembly constructed in accordance with the present invention includinga winch strap attachment device.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elementsof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided byway of explanation of the present invention, not limitation of theinvention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvariations can be made in the present invention without departing fromthe scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated ordescribed as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment toyield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention cover such modifications and variations as come within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present invention is concerned with an improved cargo restraintattachment assembly for a platform trailer. Accordingly, FIG. 1 depictsa presently preferred embodiment of the cargo restraint attachmentassembly, shown generally at 10, in conjunction with a platform trailer12. Trailer 12 includes in general a flat loading deck 14, wheels 16,and a load carrying main frame. Cargo restraint attachment assembly 10comprises a side rail assembly having a rub rail 18 disposed generallyparallel to the exterior side of the assembly 10. Rub rail 18 is securedto cargo restraint attachment assembly 10 by a plurality of stakepockets 20. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart, stake pockets 20 may receive stakes or other restraining devices tomaintain cargo on the loading deck.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, cargo 22 is secured on loadingdeck 14 by a plurality of winch straps 24. Winch straps 24 are receivedon winches 26 as should be apparent to one skilled in the art. A siderail assembly and associated winches 26 are provided on each side ofplatform trailer 12. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, straps 24 may extend fromeither side of the trailer to attach to the opposite side rail or othersecuring location.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of cargo restraint assembly 10attached to loading deck 14. The assembly is configured as a side railwhich is attached to loading deck 14 and attached to or integral withrub rail 18 by stake pockets 20. Assembly 10 includes a body 28, aninterior side 30, and an exterior side 32. Body 28 forms a trussstructure defining winch track 34. Interior side 30 is attached toloading deck 14 through section 36. Section 36, body 28, interior side30, exterior side 32, and winch track 34 are preferably extruded in aunitary construction. In a preferred embodiment, they may be constructedof an aluminum alloy, but as set forth above any suitable material couldbe utilized.

Winch track 34 slidably receives winch 26 therein. As shown in FIG. 2,winch 26 includes a base member having a first end received by track 34.The base member extends from its first end downward from the track, andat an oblique angle with respect to the loading deck, to a second end atwhich winch strap 24 is windingly received, as is shown in the figure.Winch strap 24 extends from winch 26 around the side rail and, whenloaded, exerts a force A on winch 26. Force A may be resolved intocompression force B and bending force C. As is apparent from FIG. 2,compression force B is exerted along an axis of the base member betweenthe first end and the second end. In general, bending force C isresponsible for the bending moment on cargo restraint assembly 10. Themagnitude of bending force C is determined by angle D. Reducing angle Dreduces the bending moment. Accordingly, winch track 34 is disposed atan angle below a horizontal plane including loading deck 14, therebyminimizing angle D. In one preferred embodiment, winch track 34 isdisposed such that angle D equals approximately 29 degrees. Applicantshave found that such a configuration may reduce bending moment on aloaded winch by 30% to 40%. As should be understood by those in ordinaryskill of the art, the reduced bending moment enables a generally lighterconstruction of assembly 10.

The angled winch track construction also reduces the vertical profile ofthe winches 26 secured by assembly 10, thereby reducing possibleinterference with wheels 16 (FIG. 1). Such interference is also reducedby the extension of winch track 34, and consequently winch 26, beyondthe lateral edge of loading deck 14. Accordingly, assembly 10, includingwinch track 34, may extend along the entire length of loading deck 14.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial side perspective view of the underside oftrailer 12. Loading deck 14 and assembly 10 are supported by a loadcarrying mainframe including two main beams 38 (FIG. 4), cross members40 and sway bars 42. FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of winches 26.Winches 26 are slidably received in winch track 34 and may be positionedin any desired position along winch track 34.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a partial cross sectional view of the platformtrailer in FIG. 1 as illustrated. In particular, two assemblies 10 areattached to either side of loading deck 14. Winch straps 24 extend fromwinches 26 on either side of loading deck 14 around respective siderails, over load 22 to attach to opposing side rails by hooks 44. Whilehooks 44 are illustrated for securing to the side rails, it should beapparent that the winch straps could be attached to winches on theopposing side or by any other suitable means. For example, FIG. 4Aillustrates a hook 44 secured to an attachment device 46 that isslidably received by winch track 34.

As is apparent from the above, the present invention providessignificant improvements to existing cargo restraint attachmentassemblies from a functional as well as manufacturing standpoint.

While one preferred embodiment of the invention has been describedabove, it should be understood that any and all equivalent realizationsof the present invention are included within the scope and spiritthereof. For example, the cargo restraint attachment assembly need notbe constructed within a side rail assembly. It may be, for example,attached by various means by the main load carrying frame. Similarly,various suitable mechanisms and means may be employed to attach theassembly to the trailer, including clips, bolts, rivets, screws, and thelike. Also, various suitable constructions of the cargo restraintattachment assembly may be achieved, including, for example, alternatebrace structures. Additionally, the cargo restraint device may bedisposed at various angles with respect to the trailer according totrailer configuration and/or cargo requirements. Furthermore, variousequivalent cargo restraint devices, and mechanisms to attach suchdevices to the assembly, are included within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention and should be understood by those of ordinary skill inthe art.

Thus, the embodiment depicted is presented by way of example only and isnot intended as a limitation upon the present invention. Thus, whileparticular embodiments of the invention have been described and shown itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that thepresent invention is not limited thereto since many modifications can bemade. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodimentsare included in the present invention as may fall within the literal orequivalent scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A platform trailer, said platform trailercomprising:a load carrying main frame; a loading deck, supported by saidmain frame, which defines a horizontal plane and upon which cargo may beloaded, said loading deck including a side rail extending laterallyoutward from a longitudinal edge of said loading deck; a plurality ofwheels attached to said main frame to permit transport of the trailer;and a cargo restraint device attachment assembly attached to said siderail, said cargo restraint device attachment assembly configured tosecure a base of at least one cargo restraint device so that said baseextends below and at an oblique angle with respect to said horizontalplane and so that a flexible member of said cargo restraint device isextendable above said plane from said base below said plane to securesaid cargo loaded on said loading deck, wherein said cargo restraintdevice attachment assembly includesat least one flange extending fromsaid side rail below said horizontal plane and along substantially theentire length of said side rail to slidably receive said base, asubstantially planar central portion extending longitudinally along andunder said side rail at an oblique angle with respect to said horizontalplane, and a pair of said flanges, one said flange extending from eachlongitudinal edge of said planar central portion and each said flangehaving a first portion extending from its respective said centralportion edge substantially perpendicularly to said planar centralportion and having a second portion extending from said first portionsubstantially parallel to said planar central portion and toward theother said flange, thereby defining a channel to receive said base,wherein said flanges extend below said horizontal plane and inwardtoward the center of the trailer.
 2. A platform trailer, said platformtrailer comprising:a load carrying main frame; a loading deck, supportedby said main frame, which defines a horizontal plane and upon whichcargo may be loaded; a plurality of wheels attached to said main frameto permit transport of the trailer; and a cargo restraint deviceattachment assembly attached to one of said loading deck and said mainframe, said cargo restraint device attachment assembly including a trackconfigured to slidably receive a base of each of a plurality of cargorestraint devices so that each said base extends below and at an obliqueangle with respect to said horizontal plane and so that a flexiblemember of each said cargo restraint device is extendable above saidplane from said base below said plane to secure said cargo loaded onsaid loading deck, said track including a substantially planar centralportion attached to said one of said loading deck and said main frame atan oblique angle with respect to said horizontal plane, and a pair offlanges, one said flange extending from each longitudinal edge of saidplanar central portion and each said flange having a first portionextending from its respective said central portion edge substantiallyperpendicularly to said planar central portion and having a secondportion extending from said first portion substantially parallel to saidplanar central portion and toward the other said flange, therebydefining a channel to receive said base, wherein said flanges extendbelow said horizontal plane and inward toward the center of the trailer.3. A platform trailer, said platform trailer comprising:a load carryingmain frame; a loading deck, supported by said main frame, which definesa horizontal plane and upon which cargo may be loaded; a plurality ofwheels attached to said main frame to permit transport of the trailer;and a side rail including a body portion having an interior side and anexterior side opposite said interior side, said interior side attachedto a longitudinal edge of said loading deck so that said exterior sideextends laterally outward from said loading deck edge, wherein said bodyportion includes a track configured to slidably receive a plurality ofcargo restraint devices substantially between said interior side andsaid exterior side so that a base of each said cargo restraint deviceextends from said track below, and at an oblique angle with respect to,said horizontal plane and inward toward the center of said trailer andso that a flexible member of each said cargo restraint device isextendable above said plane from said base below said plane to securesaid cargo loaded on said loading deck, wherein said track includes asubstantially planar central portion extending longitudinally along anunderside of said side rail at an oblique angle with respect to saidhorizontal plane, and a pair of flanges, one said flange extending fromeach longitudinal edge of said planar central portion and each saidflange having a first portion extending from its respective said centralportion edge substantially perpendicularly to said planar centralportion and having a second portion extending from said first portionsubstantially parallel to said planar central portion and toward theother said flange, thereby defining a channel to receive said bases,wherein said flanges extend below said horizontal plane and inwardtoward the center of the trailer.
 4. A platform trailer, said platformtrailer comprising:a load carrying main frame; a loading deck, supportedby said main frame, which defines a horizontal plane and upon whichcargo may be loaded; a plurality of wheels attached to said main frameto permit transport of the trailer; and a side rail includinga bodyportion having an interior side and an exterior side opposite saidinterior side, said interior side attached to a longitudinal edge ofsaid loading deck so that said exterior side extends laterally outwardfrom said loading deck edge, and a track having a substantially planarcentral portion attached to said side rail at an oblique angle withrespect to said horizontal plane and a pair of flanges, one said flangeextending from each longitudinal edge of said planar central portion andeach said flange having a first portion extending from its respectivesaid central portion edge substantially perpendicularly to said planarcentral portion and having a second portion extending from said firstportion substantially parallel to said planar central portion and towardthe other said flange, thereby defining a channel to receive a base ofat least one cargo restraint device so that said base extends below, andinward toward the center of the trailer at an oblique angle with respectto, said horizontal plane and so that a flexible member of said cargorestraint device is extendable above said plane from said base belowsaid plane to secure said cargo loaded on said loading deck, whereinsaid flanges extend below said horizontal plane and inward toward thecenter of the trailer.
 5. The platform trailer as in claim 4, includinga rub rail extending laterally outward from said exterior side of saidside rail.
 6. The platform trailer as in claim 4, wherein said side railis of a unitary, extruded construction.